Recent snow accumulations and temperatures could make off-trail skiing conditions dangerous, Vermont State Police said Thursday.

Police have responded to six lost skier calls since Feb. 1. This month’s incidents represent half of such incidents that have occurred so far during the 2014-2015 ski season, police said.

“At most ski areas, the act of off-trail riding is discouraged, for safety reasons,” police said. “Not only can a skier become lost and trapped by going off-trail, but the search and rescue teams can also face dangers during the search for a lost skier.”

State police said skiers should consider several suggestions before hitting the trails:

• Start early in the day

• Watch the weather

• Avoid skiing off-trail unless familiar with the area or are using a map and compass

• Ski with others

Police also said there is currently a heightened risk for avalanche, and open slopes with a pitch greater than 30 degrees should be avoided. Fresh snow on top of already unstable layers of snow have created the risk.

“Vermont isn’t generally prone to avalanche,” police said. “Places like Smuggler’s Notch for ice climbers can be potentially problematic, or steep slopes at or above the tree line.”

Public Information Officer Scott Waterman said the last person who died in a small avalanche was extreme skier Alec Stall in 2005.

“Most people aren’t exposed to it,” Waterman said. “It’s more people who go to places where there’s ice climbing.”

Contact Elizabeth Murray at 651-4835 or emurray@freepressmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LizMurraySMC.